A few stories are already starting to trickle back in from those brave souls who wished to take seriously the things that Jesus said. I'm not sure if they will write in to share their version, but I'll give you a taste of how they carried their challenge out.
On the 21st, I passed out about 10 different challenges at our "Amish" family christmas. One family member got the Luke 14 party challenge. She rounded up several friends who would have otherwise been alone on Christmas day and brought them to my parents' home for our family lunch. One was an elderly lady whose only close relative, a nephew, hadn't been around seen since 1991. Another was a WWII vet with great stories from the European theater, and the third was a lady cut-off from her kids and grandkids. My parents were a little bit surprised, but very gracious, even when their vehicle got stuck in the yard, one smoked in the house, and one had a case of sticky fingers.
Another family member got the I'm thirsty challenge from Matt. 25. She decided to go to a local watering hole on Christmas eve and purchase drinks for everyone who came in to buy a fountain drink. I noticed her car and dropped in to see what she was doing. I hadn't realized what challenge she got, but picked up on it pretty quickly. I also picked up my own free fountain drink and stuck around to visit with the folks coming and going. When I left, about 50 drinks had been purchased and 50 people had been blessed.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
IN A NUTSHELL: Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, right? The problem is, what do you get the guy who already has everything? Well, if you read through the Bible, he actually left something of a wish list behind.
THE CHALLENGE: write down the things Jesus told or asked people to do, place one in an envelope, try to get people to take one at random with the intention of doing whatever it says within the next month, then have them anonymously share their story by emailing it to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
THE WISHLIST: copy, paste, print it out, and take it to the streets, your church, your family gathering, wherever. Don't deceive anyone. Tell them what it's all about; tell them it will be challenging; tell them not to take one unless they promise to do it. Jesus himself said to count the cost before following him.
The Party
Luke 14:12-14
"When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment. But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,
and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." -Jesus
Throw a party, invite people who have nothing to offer in the way of status or prestige. Feed them, listen to them, get to know them.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
The Sale
Luke 12:33
"Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Jesus
Ebay, Craigslist, yard sale... make it count, give until it hurts, don't hold back
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
Clandestine Charity
Matt. 6:1-4
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you." -Jesus
Go undercover to bless someone in your community. Pay for their meal at a restaurant; leave a bag of groceries on the doorstep, ring the bell and run; gift cards in mailboxes; dream something up. Do it, but don't tell anybody.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
No More Debt
Romans 13:8
"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law."
Pay off a debt as fast as you can, then use the money formerly spent on payments to bless someone else each month.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
Bless the Buggers
Romans 12:14
Matt. 5:43-45
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse."
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." -Jesus
You know that one person, that one who always gets under your skin. Maybe they persecute you, maybe they slander you, maybe they gossip about you, maybe they just annoy you. Bless them extragantly in some way. Pray for them. Love them.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
Gouge It Out (please no self-mutilation)
Matt. 5:29-30
"If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell." -Jesus
Is there some sin in your life, some habit, some possession, some relationship that is getting in the way of your relationship with God? (The answer is yes.) Violently (unless it's a person) remove it from your life. Once and for all. Hands don't grow back. Eyes don't regenerate.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
Headin' to the Big House
Matt. 25:31-46
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." -Jesus
Write a letter, volunteer for a prison ministry, give to Voice of the Martyrs. Prisoners are Jesus in disguise.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
I'm Hungry
Matt. 25:31-46
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." -Jesus
Find someone truly hungry. Sit down, eat with them. It's Jesus.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
I'm Thirsty
Matt. 25:31-46
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." -Jesus
3.57 million people die each year from water related illness or lack of clean water. Pray, ask God what to do, do some research, or find someone thirsty near you.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
I'm Naked
Matt. 25:31-46
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." -Jesus
Find somebody who needs clothes. Give 'em some.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
Be Reconciled
Matt. 5:23-24
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." -Jesus
Remember that someone has something against you or is mad at you? Be reconciled, make it right at any cost to you, even if you're on your way to church... or at church. Go do it.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
Let your Yes be Yes
Matt 5:37
"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."
-Jesus
I will... I won't... Made a promise lately, or ever? Keep it.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
Forgive From Your Heart
Matt. 18:21-35
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." -Jesus
Got a grudge or some unforgiveness? Let it go. Forgive from your heart.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
Faith with Works
James 2:14-17
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what gWhat good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. ood is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead."
See somebody hungry, needing clothes, cold, needing a place to stay? Got extra food, clothes, coats, or an extra room in you house? Figure it out.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
THE CHALLENGE: write down the things Jesus told or asked people to do, place one in an envelope, try to get people to take one at random with the intention of doing whatever it says within the next month, then have them anonymously share their story by emailing it to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
THE WISHLIST: copy, paste, print it out, and take it to the streets, your church, your family gathering, wherever. Don't deceive anyone. Tell them what it's all about; tell them it will be challenging; tell them not to take one unless they promise to do it. Jesus himself said to count the cost before following him.
The Party
Luke 14:12-14
"When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment. But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,
and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." -Jesus
Throw a party, invite people who have nothing to offer in the way of status or prestige. Feed them, listen to them, get to know them.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
The Sale
Luke 12:33
"Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Jesus
Ebay, Craigslist, yard sale... make it count, give until it hurts, don't hold back
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
Clandestine Charity
Matt. 6:1-4
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you." -Jesus
Go undercover to bless someone in your community. Pay for their meal at a restaurant; leave a bag of groceries on the doorstep, ring the bell and run; gift cards in mailboxes; dream something up. Do it, but don't tell anybody.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
No More Debt
Romans 13:8
"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law."
Pay off a debt as fast as you can, then use the money formerly spent on payments to bless someone else each month.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
Bless the Buggers
Romans 12:14
Matt. 5:43-45
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse."
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." -Jesus
You know that one person, that one who always gets under your skin. Maybe they persecute you, maybe they slander you, maybe they gossip about you, maybe they just annoy you. Bless them extragantly in some way. Pray for them. Love them.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
Gouge It Out (please no self-mutilation)
Matt. 5:29-30
"If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell." -Jesus
Is there some sin in your life, some habit, some possession, some relationship that is getting in the way of your relationship with God? (The answer is yes.) Violently (unless it's a person) remove it from your life. Once and for all. Hands don't grow back. Eyes don't regenerate.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
Headin' to the Big House
Matt. 25:31-46
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." -Jesus
Write a letter, volunteer for a prison ministry, give to Voice of the Martyrs. Prisoners are Jesus in disguise.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
I'm Hungry
Matt. 25:31-46
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." -Jesus
Find someone truly hungry. Sit down, eat with them. It's Jesus.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
I'm Thirsty
Matt. 25:31-46
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." -Jesus
3.57 million people die each year from water related illness or lack of clean water. Pray, ask God what to do, do some research, or find someone thirsty near you.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
I'm Naked
Matt. 25:31-46
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." -Jesus
Find somebody who needs clothes. Give 'em some.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
Be Reconciled
Matt. 5:23-24
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." -Jesus
Remember that someone has something against you or is mad at you? Be reconciled, make it right at any cost to you, even if you're on your way to church... or at church. Go do it.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
Let your Yes be Yes
Matt 5:37
"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."
-Jesus
I will... I won't... Made a promise lately, or ever? Keep it.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
Forgive From Your Heart
Matt. 18:21-35
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." -Jesus
Got a grudge or some unforgiveness? Let it go. Forgive from your heart.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
Faith with Works
James 2:14-17
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what gWhat good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. ood is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead."
See somebody hungry, needing clothes, cold, needing a place to stay? Got extra food, clothes, coats, or an extra room in you house? Figure it out.
Do it, then send your anonymous story to thejesuschallenge@yahoo.com
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